International News

September 2017

Welcome to our Archives page. On this page you will find 2 of our articles broken down into Months and Years.

UK Grand Prix Round 4 - Sandbanks

This weekend was the final weekend of the UK and European Skiff calendar, and what a setting and conditions for it! A German and Hungarian team joined the U.K. fleet on Sandbanks beach for four days packed with racing.

Day 1

The first day was a pretty miserable rig in lashing rain, but this was more than made up for by the exciting conditions on the water. The first race was held in some fresh breeze and bumpy waves which caught some of the sailors off guard for the first race. The next two races were in lighter breeze with sunshine and sailors made their way ashore, deriving in conditions that felt a million miles away from the morning.

Pica were on top after day one, but not by much. Be Light and ChameleonI both took a first place and Kaltenberger were consistent to stay not far behind

Day 2

The second day was a glamour day that saw the big rigs taken out the bag! The rig call wasn't obvious but the fleet all followed themselves and launched for a day of racing that eventually ending up in some gusts of up to 18 knots - a few might say the No2 rig was a better choice.

The fleet all launched on their big rigs, and managed to handle the extra sail area round the course with some powered up bearaways. Pica took another two bullets but let the final one away to Kaltenberger. Be-Light were also in the mix with podium finishes. ChameleonI slipped back in the pack to fall off the podium and let the Germans jump up to second overnight.

Day 3

The third day was a much more comfortable day racing on the big rigs in the bay. A 12 knot breeze stayed on the course all day for another 3 races. The breeze was much more settled than previous days so there was little waiting around between races.

Pica and Be-Light exchanged first and second places and Kaltenberger and ChameleonI traded places to firm up third and fourth place.

Day 4

The final day was again lighter than the previous so the big rigs were rigged all round. The lighter wind made for some much tighter starts with Rutland and ChameleonI going round the ends in the last race. The whole fleet finished within 2 minutes of first to last in all races with place changes happening throughout. Special mention to the new team on Sail 4 Cancer who took advantage of the lighter breeze to finish their first races of the weekend - hopefully many more to come next year for this team!

Pica had to hold off Be Light all day to secure the overall win and, despite the close racing tactics from the Hungarians, Pica finished the day on top to take the title. Kaltenberger also sailed a consistent last 3 races to finish third overall.

The fleet have had an awesome time this weekend and the Sandbanks Bay put on a great show of conditions. A huge thank you to; Parkstone Yacht Club for getting in 12 superb races, The Watersports Academy for accommodating us so well off the water and Phil Jackson/Harbour View Photography for capturing the action. Also, a massive thanks to the German and Hungarian teams travelling to join us for some very tight racing!

This weekend was the final weekend of the UK and European Skiff calendar, and what a setting and conditions for it! A German and Hungarian team joined the U.K. fleet on Sandbanks beach for four days p...
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UK Grand Prix Round 3 - Marconi

Last weekend was Round 3 of the UK Grand Prix at Marconi Sailing Club. This is the home club of Pica, so it was all on to try and beat the already strong team in their home waters especially with rumours of Jamie Mears returning for a turn on the stick!

Day 1

The fleet rigged in calm conditions that didn't look to test a call for the big rig. However, when on the race course, the breeze had built and the few boats on the big rigs had a bit on for the day.

Pica took an early bullet from ChameleonI and LED despite the still fresh breeze in the first race. The race track then softened for the second and third races, with ChameleonI and Pica taking a bullet in each. Overnight lead went down to the last race and ChameleonI just took it, leading overnight on count back. LED had a consistent day keeping their big rig in order, keeping in touch in case of any mistakes.

Day 2

The second day was definitely one to remember! There was no decision required on rigs. It was all No 2s!

Two races were held in fresh conditions in a very low tide - which made it interesting to manoeuvre in the narrow channel. ChameleonI's charge for first place was halted at the first windward mark when LED hooked their mast through their main, ending ChamleonIs day.

Pica capitalised with their impressive boat handling to clear up the two races. The rest of the day became windier and winder with the incoming front but allowed Rutland and Union Rose to have their chances of podium finishes.

When all was said and done, Pica managed to claim back the top spot, but their usual dominance was challenged more and more over the weekend.

Many thanks to Marconi Sailing club for hosting the event and being so welcoming, Dinghy Rope for an awesome stash of prizes, and OJS Photography for capturing the highlights.

The next event is Round 4 of both the Euro and UK Grand Prix at Sandbanks, Poole. Another four days racing off the glamorous beach with European skiffs on the start line - a great way to round off the season!

Last weekend was Round 3 of the UK Grand Prix at Marconi Sailing Club. This is the home club of Pica, so it was all on to try and beat the already strong team in their home waters especially with rumo...
read more..